ACCRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nineteen years old athlete Ishmael Arthur emerged as winner of Ghana's 2018 Millennium Marathon race held here Saturday.

The race which began and ended at the Black Star Square saw 8000 participants, registering from 24 countries and regions across the world. They included Ghana's Boxing legend, Azumah Nelson.

Arthur told Xinhua he was so excited for winning the Accra Marathon and looked forward to the trip to Dubai for the International Milo Marathon with much hope.

"I will make sure I make an impressive mark when I go for the Dubai Marathon. I have to train hard, I have to increase my training schedule, it has to be different," he assured.

John Kudanu and Malik Yakubu emerged first and second respectively.

Organized by the Millennium Marathon Sports Ltd, the Accra Marathon is Accra's premier (half marathon) event. With an AIMS certified half marathon course.